Gov. Perdue Announces Plan to Create Green Jobs
Governor Bev Perdue this week announced her energy reform package to attract businesses, create jobs and promote a strong and sustainable green economy in North Carolina. She made the announcement at the SAS Solar Farm in Cary, which provides solar-generated power to Progress Energy.
"Developing our green economy is a cornerstone of my vision for North Carolina's economic future," Gov. Perdue said. "Creating green jobs and businesses is a key part of my JobsNOW initiative, and the energy reforms I am implementing will lay the foundation for North Carolina to lead the nation in green energy."
Gov. Perdue's energy plan refocuses state energy policymaking, makes strategic investments in North Carolina's green economy and increases green-collar workforce development.
"The state that gets green right will own the next 50 years," Gov. Perdue said. "I intend for North Carolina to be that state."
Governor Perdue's energy plan includes:
- Relocating the State Energy Office and state weatherization program to the Department of Commerce
- Reinvigorating the Energy Policy Council
- Establishing an Energy Investment Revolving Loan Fund
- Expanding the Green Business Fund
- Growing North Carolina's green workforce
- Investing federal recovery monies for other energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in small businesses, communities and homes across North Carolina
Governor Perdue Launches JobsNOW Portal
Gov. Bev Perdue today launched the JobsNOW Portal , a user-friendly resource for job seekers, those exploring new career options, and entrepreneurs looking to start, grow or relocate a business in North Carolina.
"JobsNOW will help get our economy back on track and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future," said Gov. Perdue. "The JobsNOW Portal will be a valuable tool for job seekers and businesses looking to expand or relocate."
The JobsNOW Portal is part of Governor Perdue's JobsNOW initiative, which brings together state agencies, local governments, business leaders and citizens to create new jobs, put people back to work and train and retrain our workers for success.
Other JobsNOW initiatives include Perdue's recently announced Green Energy Plan, the "12 in 6" Worker Training Program, the Charlotte Area Workforce Recovery Plan and the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery and Investment.
Gov. Perdue Signs Legislation Prohibiting Smoking in Bars and Restaurant
Gov. Bev Perdue on Tuesday signed House Bill 2, which prohibits smoking in public bars and restaurants. Rep. Hugh Holliman and Sen. Bill Purcell led the efforts to pass this landmark legislation. The smoking ban will go into effect on Jan. 2, 2010, and will be enforced by local health directors.
"This is a historic day for North Carolina," said Gov. Perdue. "But more important than the history that we are making is the positive impact we are having on public health. By banning smoking in our restaurants and bars, we will greatly reduce the dangers of secondhand smoke and lower health care costs for families."
According to a report by the United States Surgeon General, secondhand smoke causes the death of approximately 50,000 citizens a year. In addition, a study prepared by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina found that exposure to secondhand smoke costs North Carolinians $289 million annually.
"I am extremely happy with this legislation becoming a reality. This is a gigantic step in improving the public health for the citizens of our great state, and I'm glad I was able to play a part in making this bill a law," said Holliman.
"This new law is a significant step for public health in North Carolina. Restaurant and bar patrons and employees will no longer be exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke. I want to thank Rep. Holliman for all his hard work in this important step forward for our state and its future," said Purcell.
Gov. Perdue Orders Highway Patrol to Implement New Travel Records Protocol
Gov. Perdue this week ordered the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and the State Highway Patrol to implement new travel record keeping protocols for security details assigned to both the governor and lieutenant governor.
"I've pledged to run an open and transparent administration," said Gov. Perdue. "This new protocol will provide clear direction for how the State Highway Patrol executive security detail collects and retains travel records."
The new travel record form will include detailed information about each trip outside of Wake County taken by the governor or lieutenant governor when a member of the executive security detail provides protection.
"Governor Perdue has made it clear that her entire administration should operate with the highest standards of openness, and that's exactly what we intend to do," said CCPS Secretary Reuben Young.
All records will be maintained by the State Highway Patrol for four years after the governor or lieutenant governor's term, at which point they will be transferred to state archives.
McDowell County Manufacturers Create Jobs
Baldor Electric Co. to Expand in Marion and Add 25 Jobs
Baldor Electric Co., an international supplier of industrial electric motors, mechanical power transmission products, drives and generators, will expand its Marion operations. The company plans to invest $3.1 million and create 25 jobs during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $75,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
"North Carolina continues to support a strong manufacturing sector offering new job opportunities," Gov. Perdue said. "Our state is attractive to growing companies like Baldor that know the value of our top business climate and skilled workforce."
Baldor is consolidating operations by moving a large mounted roller-bearing line from Indiana to its Marion plant, adding 25 positions to the nearly 100 employees already at the facility.
For more information about Baldor Electric Co., including employment opportunities, visit www.baldor.com .
Morganton Pressure Vessels to Create 43 Jobs
Morganton Pressure Vessels LLC, a manufacturer of air pressure vessels and oil separators, filters and containers for absorption dryers, is expanding in McDowell County. During the next three years, the company plans to create 43 jobs and invest $2 million, including lease payments. The announcement was made possible in part by a $129,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.
"North Carolina supports growth and new opportunities in our manufacturing sector," said Gov. Perdue. "Our state continues to see companies expand because of our excellent business climate, our highly-skilled workforce, and exceptional quality of life."
For more information about Morganton Pressure Vessels, visit www.baglionispa.com . For employment opportunities, e-mail: angela.lovett@morgantonpv.com .
Governor's schedule for the coming week
Monday, May 25
- Memorial Day Service, National Cemetery, New Bern
Tuesday, May 26
- North Carolina National Guard Headquarters Groundbreaking
- Office Time
- NC Sheriff's Association Meeting
Wednesday, May 27
- Senior Staff Meeting
- Office Time
- Recovery Meeting
- Visit Venkateswara Temple, Cary
Thursday, May 28
- Senior Staff Meeting
- Hurricane Preparedness Exercise
- Quintiles Grand Opening
Friday, May 29
- Senior Staff Meeting
- North Carolina Association of School Administrators Board Meeting
- Office Time